Hairy Gumweed (Grindelia hirsutula)

Hairy Gumweed

(Grindelia hirsutula)

Madeleine Claire

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Madeleine Claire

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Grindelia hirsutula, commonly known as Hairy Gumweed or Bract Gumweed, is an erect perennial herb or subshrub that can reach up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) in height but is typically much shorter. This species is native to the western United States, particularly in California, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including coastal scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands. The plant’s stems can exhibit red or purplish-brown hues, while the leaves may appear yellowish to reddish. Grindelia hirsutula is characterized by its numerous flower heads, which form branching arrays at the plant’s apex. Each head measures 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) across and features hemispheric cups of greenish phyllaries at the base, with claw-like bracts that bend away from the flowers. The center is packed with small yellow disc florets surrounded by numerous golden ray florets. A distinctive thick white exudate is often present, particularly in new flower heads.

Hairy Gumweed is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. Its showy yellow flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and does best with low to medium water requirements, preferring soils with fast drainage. While not commonly used in formal garden settings, it can be an interesting addition to native plant gardens and restoration projects. Care should be taken as it can become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.3-0.4 feet
Width: 0.225-0.3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands in California

Other Names

Common Names: Oregon Gumweed, Bract Gumweed, Hairy Gumplant, Sharpleaf Gumweed, Marsh Gumweed, Grindelia, Haariges Gummikraut, Herbe À Gomme Hirsute, Klibbgrindelia

Scientific Names: , Grindelia camporum, Grindelia stricta, Grindelia hirsutula, Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla, Grindelia robusta, Grindelia nana, Grindelia squarrosa var. quasiperennis, Grindelia stricta var. angustifolia, Grindelia hallii

GBIF Accepted Name: Grindelia hirsutula Hook. & Arn.